Offbeat Berkshires
UNCOVERING UNCONVENTIONAL RECREATION IN “ THE SHIRE ”
By Taylor Staubach
O F F B E A T
SPORTS
72 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Fall 2023
WELCOME to the unconventional side of seasonal fun in the Berkshires ! Get ready to step outside the ordinary and immerse yourself in a world of offbeat recreational activities that will make your autumn and winter adventures unforgettable . From adrenaline-pumping sled rides over leaf-covered trails to exhilarating snow sports like backcountry skiing , we ’ ve compiled a list of some of the most offbeat opportunities that will introduce you to a whole new side of the Shire . So , grab your gear and say “ Hello !” to a unique array of experiences that will delight your senses and ignite your adventurous spirit .
Geocache with Berkshire Geobash
Take your exploration of the Berkshire hills and dales a little deeper . Join Berkshire Geobash on a high-tech treasure hunt to locate hidden containers ( geocaches ) outdoors using GPS coordinates . Berkshire Geobash hosts various meet-ups over the year , including an annual Veterans Day Cider & Donuts and New Year ’ s Day event . Visit Berkshire Geobash on Facebook to get involved .
Capture Nature ’ s Beauty with the Mount Greylock Photography Group ( MGPG )
Discover the beauty of the Berkshires from behind the lens . MGPG meets year-round , the second Saturday of every month . Participants do not need to register ; the program is free and open to the public . No previous knowledge of photography or specific equipment is required . Cameras , cellphones , and tablets are all welcome , as are people of all ages . More information can be found on the Mount Greylock Events Facebook page .
Reach for New Heights with the Western Mass Climbers ’ Coalition ( WMCC )
Try your hand at scaling the unique rock formations of the Berkshires with the WMCC . This grassroots organization is dedicated to championing climbers ’ interests and safeguarding the region ’ s natural resources for outdoor recreation through environmental stewardship and education . Explore unique bouldering areas like Flag Rock and The Darkside in Great Barrington in the beauty of the fall season , as well as stunning Hanging Mountain in the quiet hamlet of Sandisfield . Whether you ’ re into traditional , sport , or bouldering , the WMCC celebrates the diversity of climbing styles and focuses on preserving the distinctive charm and essence of each climbing area across Western Massachusetts , making it a haven for all climbing enthusiasts seeking a unique and ecologically conscious experience . climbgneiss . org
Sweep the Ice with Curl Berkshires
Try your hand at this popular Olympic sport by sliding stones on an ice sheet and strategically sweeping the ice to guide them to the target . The Berkshire Curling Club offers curling for new and experienced people at the Boys and Girls Club in Pittsfield and during road trips to curling clubs in Albany and Schenectady in New York , and in Norfolk , Connecticut . The club ’ s mission is to encourage and facilitate the recreational and social enjoyment of curling . Some members are interested in competition and attending “ bonspiels ” ( curling tournaments ); others enjoy meeting friends and having fun on and off the ice . The club holds “ Learn to Curl ” sessions where it provides all equipment and instruction . You can learn the basics in an hour and be on the ice throwing stones from the “ hack ” ( foot pedestal ) in the ice at one end , to the “ house ” ( the bullseye target ) at the other end . Visit the club ’ s sites at curlberkshires . org and Curl Berkshires on Facebook for more details . Contact the club at info @ curlberkshires . com .
Rockhound with the Northern Berkshire Mineral Club
Experience the thrill of rockhounding with the Northern Berkshire Mineral Club , a passionate community founded in 1959 to foster mineralogy knowledge and education . Gather with fellow enthusiasts at the MCLA Science Center for Innovation on the third Thursday of each month from October to May for engaging
COURTESY OF NORTHERN BERKSHIRE MINERAL CLUB